Image Courtesy of Gavin Ashworth, Mount Vernon Ladies Association

Co-sponsored with the Silver Study Society.  George and Martha Washington hosted thousands of dinner guests at Mount Vernon, the General’s many Revolutionary War headquarters, and the presidential residences in New York and Philadelphia.  They developed a reputation for elegant entertaining and warm hospitality, while navigating the challenges of forging a new nation. Changes to their table service signaled transformative moments in their personal as well as national identity. This presentation will take a closer look at those defining moments, including the ceramics and silver that the Washingtons used, which set them apart and ultimately established a national appreciation for elegant table settings

About the Speaker

Amanda C. Isaac led the refurnishing of the Blue Room and the Chintz Room, and collaborated with team members on restoration of the New Room at Mount Vernon. She also spearheaded the research and development of a comprehensive historic furnishing plan and supporting database on Washington Material Culture and developed, launched, and promoted the museum exhibit, Take Note! George Washington the Reader.  Ms. Isaac has a BA in History from the College of William and Mary and a MA in Early American Culture from the University of Delaware, Winterthur Program in Early American Material Culture. She has made numerous presentations throughout the United States and has authored numerous publications.